Brazilian Butt Lift Recovery (Part Two)

Brazilian Butt Lift Recovery (Part 2)

CLICK HERE for Part 1 of Brazilian Butt Lift Recovery.

Are massages necessary after a Brazilian Butt Lift?

Birmingham double board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali may recommend lymphatic drainage massage for you following your Brazilian Butt Lift, as it can significantly help decrease bruising and swelling.

Depending on the status of your recovery, the blood flow after the Brazilian Butt Lift, and other personal recovery factors, Dr. Ali may also recommend massage a few weeks after your procedure.

What are the possible side effects and complications of a Brazilian Butt Lift?

When performed by an experienced Birmingham double board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Ali, the Brazilian butt lift procedure has a very high success rate, with rare complications. However, as with any cosmetic procedure, it is not without some risk.

Following your post procedure aftercare instructions will greatly minimize the possibility of any risks or complications.

Common side effects after a Brazilian Butt Lift include bruising, swelling, and some pain or discomfort. Dr. Ali will provide you with a prescription for medication to manage any pain.

Irregular contour, asymmetry, infection, and loss of fat due to not following post-op instructions are rare but possible side effects.

When Will I See Results from My Brazilian Butt Lift?

Most of the obvious swelling will subside in about two to four weeks after the procedure. Approximately 3 months after Brazilian Butt Lift most patients begin to see their final results.

In some cases, it may initially appear that you are wider across your back and stomach because of the swelling and fluid that may still be draining from the liposuction. Do not worry or feel discouraged! This is normal, and as the swelling begins to subside your proportions will become shapelier.

Birmingham’s Best Brazilian Butt Lift Doctor

This year finally get the firm, toned, shapely behind you want once and for all, with Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery!

Birmingham double board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali has helped hundreds of women acheive beautiful, attractive curves with Brazilian Butt Lift Surgery. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ali, and he will take the time to discuss your appearance goals and help you decide if a Brazilian Butt Lift is right for you!

Call Dr. Ali for a Brazilian Butt Lift Consultation:  248-335-7200

Plastic Surgery – Erasing the Stigma

Bloomfield Hills, MI – There used to be a time when a visit to the office of a plastic surgeon was hidden and even lied about. For years, plastic surgery had a negative stigma associated with it. But that’s not the case any longer, as statistics show that the number of Americans seeking out cosmetic procedures continues to increase.

“In 2014 alone, Americans spent more than $12 billion on plastic surgery, according to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons,” says Dr. Ali. “Not only that, the number of male plastic surgery procedures increased nearly 43 percent. More people are realizing that there shouldn’t be any shame or embarrassment associated with having work done.”

Plastic surgery has been around for quite some time. In fact, ancient Egyptians are said to have played around with reshaping the nose, and in the 1700s British physicians visiting India brought back techniques that would lead to the modern day nose job. The first recorded breast augmentation was performed in 1895, and the first breast implant materials were used in 1899. The first formal training program in the United States was established at Johns Hopkins in 1924. And Hollywood stars were visiting the surgeon’s office as early as Hollywood’s golden age in the 1930s and 40s.

For years, people, especially those in Hollywood, tried to hide their visits to their surgeon’s offices, though.

“For some reason, in the earlier days, and even until rather recently, plastic surgery has carried a negative image,” says Dr. Ali. “While it can certainly be overdone, most people who get plastic surgery procedures are doing it to improve their lives. Certified and trained plastic surgeons work hard to better the lives of our patients.”

In 2014, Americans had a total of 15.6 million procedures, both minimally-invasive and surgical. The demand for plastic surgery continues to grow as we see great strides in technology and procedures. This creates more options for patients looking to improve themselves.

And for those who think people who turn to plastic surgery are simply trying to recapture their youth, that’s not necessarily the case. When asked why they opted for surgery, many women often state they have a desire to look more refreshed and to look on the outside the way they feel on the inside. That doesn’t necessarily mean looking like a 25 year old again.

“Plastic surgery has advanced so much that we can accomplish beautiful and natural looking results, without it even really looking as if you’ve had work done,” says Dr. Ali. “Years ago, it was much more obvious to tell who had visited a surgeon. But today, we can help you achieve a more refreshed look that will often leave people wondering if you had surgery, or if you’ve just been taking better care of yourself.”

And this, perhaps, is why we are seeing the number of procedures performed continuing to increase. When your best friend suddenly has a relaxed, glowing look and seems to be enjoying life more than ever, it can be hard not to want the same thing for yourself.

“I tell my patients all the time that plastic surgery should be done for one person and one person only – themselves,” says Dr. Ali. “It is such a joy to watch someone become truly happy once again after a procedure. If you hate looking in the mirror every day, your life will begin to suffer. And there is simply no reason why that should be, and I love seeing that the stigma associated with my work is falling away.”

If you’re ready to discover the power of plastic surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ali today.

 

Can You Get Liposuction On Your Face?

Liposuction is a procedure used to help slim and shape areas of the body by directly removing excess fat. It is often performed on various areas of the torso and even limbs, but what many people don’t know is that liposuction can also be performed on parts of the face!

There are three areas of the face where liposuction can be performed: the cheeks, chin and face. Liposuction on the cheeks and chin is done to help lift the cheeks and create a slimmer face. It can also reduce fat around the neck area to improve contours and proportion around your neck.

Liposuction on the face is typically performed in conjunction with other procedures. A neck lift is one of the most popular procedures because aging can cause fatty deposits and sagginess in the neck. The main purpose of a neck lift is to enhance the definition of the neck. It serves to correct loose skin in the neck, remove excess fat and tighten the stretched neck muscle. Your surgeon will determine if liposuction will be necessary during your consultation, prior to surgery.

A face lift is a similar procedure used to improve the appearance of facial skin. The skin is surgically lifted and tightened and many times liposuction is employed to get rid of excess fat in the cheeks and skin.

It’s important to seek advice from a professional before undergoing any kind of cosmetic surgery. A good plastic surgeon will be able to offer advice and information in order to help you make an informed decision.

If you’re considering cosmetic surgery of any kind or would like to learn more about our surgical and non-surgical procedures, contact us today. We look forward to speaking with you.

Permanent Makeup – Eyebrows as an Accessory

We have seen a number of articles on the internet floating around touting the importance of well-groomed eyebrows. There are before and after pictures, how-to articles, and more. We have to agree – eyebrows really are the accessory of your face.

While we agree, we also know that the majority of us were not gifted with perfectly shaped brows, and that they take a lot of maintenance to keep looking fabulous. Whether it’s a trip to the salon to have them waxed or threaded, penciling for fullness or using a brow gel to keep them in their place, it is always something!

One option that we discovered is a great alternative to penciling is getting permanent makeup done where you would normally fill them in. Permanent makeup may sound like a serious commitment, but when you think about how much time, money and energy you could save it seems like a much more reasonable option.

Did you know that Amae Plastic Surgery specializes in permanent make up application? We can consult with you on the best shape, color and volume for your eyebrows, as well as provide guidance on the procedure. Our clients who make this choice are always pleased and often come back for additional make up applications in other areas!

Contact us today to set up a consultation and find out how you can banish bad brows forever!

Can Natural Eyelashes Be Made Longer or Thicker?

Have you ever caught yourself admiring someone’s beautiful eyelashes, thinking “I wish mine would grow like that?” or “How on Earth are they so long, yet so natural?”  If you answered yes, you are not alone!  When clients come into our office, they are often surprised to learn that there is an option, beyond eyelash extensions, that helps your lashes grow naturally over the course of time.  Dr. Ali is proud to offer the Latisse product to his clients.

So what is Latisse?  Latisse is a prescription formula that was created to address the condition hypotrichosis, which is short/inadequate eyelashes, which many of us suffer from.  The formula allows for the natural growth of eyelashes over the course of the 16 week cycle.  The lashes grow gradually during this time.  At the end of the cycle you will go in for a consultation to determine if further treatment is needed.

One of the benefits of Latisse is that the upkeep that is required with eyelash extensions is non-existent. That means no special oils, fills or behavior is required!  All that is required is a daily application and patience!  Many of our clients have seen exceptional results from Latisse and use it in conjunction with other services and products.

Contact Dr. Ali’s office to find out more about Latisse and our other fabulous beauty solutions!

What’s the Ideal Age for a Facelift?

With age, nearly everyone’s face develops cheek folds and loose skin around the neck. Many men and women alike choose to have a facelift because it removes loose skin and tightens the tissue around the facial muscles, resulting in a younger and rejuvenated appearance.

But when is the ideal age to have this procedure?

While a majority of facelifts are performed on people between the ages of 40 and 60, there is no “right” age. The want or need for this procedure arises from personal opinions of one’s self and having developed physical characteristics that can in fact be corrected by a facelift procedure. We’ve seen patients well into their 60’s or 70’s with minimal wrinkles and great facial features that do not even have a need for correction. Everyone is different.

As always, it’s best to first consult a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon before making a decision on which procedure is best for you. There are a number of non-surgical options available today, such as liquid facelift procedures, to correct or improve various conditions of the face; surgery isn’t always the only option for achieving desired results.

After a professional consultation, if it is determined that a surgical facelift is the best option, the operation will usually take three to five hours and is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia.

Incisions are typically hidden within natural contours of the face such as the area around the ears and discrete areas beneath the chin. After three weeks, gradual resumption of any athletic or physical activity is allowed.

To learn more about facelift procedures, or various non-surgical procedures, contact us today. We look forward to speaking with you.

The Cosmetic Effects of Smoking

Did you know that the World Health Organization just recently predicted that within the next 20 years the number of people diagnosed with cancer will increase to 22 million? To give you some perspective, the number of new cancer cases as of right now (2014) is 14 million. The number one killer around the globe? Lung cancer.

The effects of smoking are very real and harm the human body from the inside out. We know that internal effects are countless, with smoking affecting nearly every organ in the body and being the primary cause of many diseases today.

Unfortunately, sometimes things that are out of sight are out of mind, which is why the FDA is now using scare tactics to prevent our youngest generations from starting. The scary advertisements focus on the cosmetic effects of smoking. Were you aware that smoking may be a cause of all of these?

  • Loose skin under the eyes

  • Crow’s feet

  • Lines around the lips

  • Damaged teeth and gums

  • Stained fingers

  • Poor skin tone and uneven coloring

  • Age spots

  • Destruction of collagen and elastin (saggy skin on all parts of the body)

  • Sagging breasts

  • Hair loss

  • Psoriasis

Here’s some good news: If you already smoke, quitting today can improve your appearance. Blood flow will continue to improve with each smokeless day, which provides your skin with more oxygen and nutrients. The tobacco stains on your fingers will disappear if you remain tobacco free.

The very best thing you can do for your body (inside and out) is never begin smoking in the first place. But if you have already started, all is not lost. There are cosmetic solutions for limiting the number of wrinkles and age spots, and improving one’s complexion.

To learn more about the effects of smoking and to view the advertisements referenced earlier, click here.

 

Can Areola Size Be Reduced?

Are you embarrassed or unhappy with the size of your areolas? You’re not alone. In fact, many women feel insecure with the aesthetics of their breasts. Often times, areola or nipple size can appear disproportionately large on one’s breast as a result of genetics, pregnancy, or increasing age.

For those experiencing proportion issues, asymmetry between the right and left nipples, or stretching of the areolas following an augmentation, areola reduction repair is a surgical option for correction. Areola reduction surgery removes the pigmented area from the outside of the areola to achieve a reduced circumference as well as symmetry between both breasts.

Although this surgery is performed by making a direct incision, the proper placement of incisions and meticulous surgical techniques should leave minimal scarring. This procedure is usually performed under local or general anesthesia, and when performed on its own the recovery phase is quite tolerable. Patients may be instructed to wear a supportive bra during the relatively short healing process.  Exercise and physical activity should be kept to a minimum.

Areola reduction repair is sometimes performed in conjunction with other breast procedures such as a breast augmentation or a breast lift. In addition to reducing the size of the areola, nipples can also be reduced if they appear too long or project too far out. This particular procedure is called nipple reduction surgery.

In addition to areola and nipple reduction surgeries, there are a number of plastic surgery options available for repairing or restoring the breasts. A thorough examination and careful evaluation performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon will determine which type of procedure will provide the best results for the desired outcome.
For additional information, or to schedule a consultation at Amae Plastic Surgery Center, call (855) 335-7200.

Can “Bat Ears” Be Corrected With Surgery?

Rewind back to your elementary school days… do you recall anyone being called “bat ears” or being poked fun at because of their prominent ears? Prominent ears, or “ears that stick out” are one of the most common types of ear deformities. Although they don’t pose a threat to one’s health, they directly affect many people’s appearance and self-esteem throughout their entire life – not just in their younger years.

There is a surgical solution to “bat ears” and it’s called otoplasty. An otoplasty procedure can improve the shape, position and/or proportion of the ear and can be performed on people of all ages by a board certified plastic surgeon.

Because this operation has no harmful effects on hearing, and discomfort is minimal, the procedure is relatively popular among those that are unhappy with their ears. This procedure also results in minimal scarring because incisions are made on the back side of the ear.

Once a small incision is made, cartilage is thinned or cut so that the ear can be placed in the desired position. Immediately following the procedure, a bulky type dressing is wrapped around the head, covering both ears for protection. This also helps to minimize swelling and discomfort. Patients are usually required to wear a headband or bandana for a few weeks following the procedure as their ears heal.

It’s important to note that perfect symmetry is not a reasonable expectation. Both ears are never 100% alike, even on people with proportional-looking ears.

If you are considering an otoplasty procedure, we encourage you to contact Amae Plastic Surgery Center and schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Ali. Just call (855) 335-7200.

 

Trend Alert: Performing Fewer Nips and Tucks, More Non-Invasive Procedures

We know what you’re thinking based on the title of this blog: the number of cosmetic procedures is declining. But, that’s not the case! The industry is busier than ever – we are just performing fewer “nips and tucks” than we have in the past. Why? Patients and doctors alike are migrating toward non-invasive procedures that utilize lasers, ultrasounds, and filler injections. Various technologies and innovations over the past several years have made achieving various cosmetic results faster and simpler.

The benefits of non-Invasive procedures include:

  • Shorter procedure time

  • Shorter recovery times

  • Less expensive

  • Results

But, it’s important that expectations of non-invasive procedures remain realistic. Just because they are “non-invasive” does not mean they are free of risks or side effects; these are still medical procedures. And, minor procedures don’t often yield major results. Many are not as long-lasting and dramatic as the results of surgical procedures.

Let us look at non-invasive liquid face lift procedures, for example: while with most products, results can be seen immediately, they are not permanent like a surgical facelift. A liquid face lift will only improve the look of aging for six months to a year, depending on the product(s) used. Liquid face lifts require touch-up procedures over time to maintain the patient’s desired appearance. Patients seeking more permanent results which will change the elements of their face or their body may instead consider a surgical procedure.

It is for these reasons that choosing a board certified plastic surgeon is extremely important, whether you’re having a surgical procedure or a non-invasive procedure. Because the number of patients desiring non-surgical procedures has increased, the number of professionals performing these procedures has also increased. Not all are board certified or properly trained in cosmetic procedures – only a licensed and skilled plastic surgeon can tell you what the best options are for achieving your desired results. And, ensure that your procedure is a safe one!

If you are interested in a non-surgical or surgical cosmetic procedure, contact us at Amae Plastic Surgery Center.